Representatives of California Rural Counties (RCRC)
Expanding Higher Education Access in Rural California
Building Pathways Where None Existed
At a Glance
- Goal: Bring higher education and career training opportunities to five unserved rural counties in California.
- Counties: Alpine, Amador, Sierra, Modoc, and Mariposa.
- Led by: Karen Zamarripa Consulting, in partnership with the Representatives of California Rural Counties (RCRC).
- Outcome: Initiated cross-system discussions and funding efforts to connect local workforce needs with public higher education resources.
“Access to education shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code.”
Rural communities deserve the same opportunities to learn, earn, and thrive.
The Challenge
The Representatives of California Rural Counties (RCRC) identified five counties with no access to California’s public higher education systems. These regions faced limited economic mobility and workforce shortages, with residents lacking the training and education needed for well-paying, sustainable jobs.
Strategy in Action
Karen Zamarripa Consulting was engaged to help RCRC chart a path forward — assessing economic and workforce needs, identifying educational gaps, and building partnerships to close them.
Key Actions:
- Needs Assessment: Worked with county leaders, economic development professionals, and researchers to identify the programs most critical to each region.
- Partnership Development: Educated RCRC leadership about California’s higher education systems and advised on strategies for collaboration.
- Statewide Outreach: Engaged with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), the California State University (CSU), and the University of California (UC) to explore potential roles in serving rural regions.
- Resource Development: Pursued funding through private foundations, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, and the California Labor Agency to support planning and coordination.
Results
Five rural counties now have a path toward higher education partnerships and workforce opportunity.
Several CSU campuses have expressed interest in continued collaboration, and ongoing work aims to convene higher education leaders, local officials, and employers to design targeted strategies for each community — ensuring that all Californians, regardless of where they live, can access education that drives economic strength.
Looking to expand access and opportunity in your community?
